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| Messina
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1679.5 sq. km
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temperate
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mountains, plains
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Messina Estate
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Yridian, Human, misc. other
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Galactic Basic
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Aughton, Arlen, Issa
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machinery, finished goods
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Foodstuffs, hydroelectric energy
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Introduction
The County of Messina (often simply called Messina) is the personal fief and estate of Anshar Kahn Tarentae. Originally a gift to him from Tarentum in recognition of his service as to the clan, Messina has grown to become the major economic and political center of Yridia IV.
Physical and Social Geography
Located in temperate northern regions of the largest continent on Yridia IV, Messina encompasses an area of some 415,000 square acres, including water. The north of the county reaches the Arl Sea, where much of the fishing industry operates. The western border is marked by the Rift Mountains, containing the Fortress of De’hnaalia. The south of the county ends at Lake Dua. Finally, the eastern border is home to Anshar’s personal home and retreat, which itself rests in a mountainous area.
Anshar's private estate marks the eastern edge of the county
Cities
Messina has three primary population centers, though smaller settlements are scattered throughout the county. Each city serves a specific role in the overall function of the county and the economy:
Aughton:
One of the original settlements on the planet, it is the government center of the county. The county government is seated here as well as the court system. Originally one of the largest cities on the planet, much of the population has moved to other locations, primarily Issa. The year round population comprises only about 2500 individuals, though the population can easily swell during meetings of the court or county commission. Most of the year round population is dedicated to the growing energy industry centered primarily around the fast moving rivers.
Arlen:
The center of the farming and fishing communities that comprises the northern stretches of the county, Arlen is a town more than a city, but its claim to fame is hosting a large farmer's market which brings in people from all over the planet and the system.
Issa:
The youngest of the three cities, but also the largest in population and geographically. Issa has quickly become the economic focal point for Yridia IV and this is because of the very modern Issa Starport. Issa has all of the attractions a starport city would have: bars/clubs, sporting events, and other things meant to capture money from visitors to the city. The starport is capable of handling transports and military vessels from shuttles up to Action VI transports. Port Authority maintains strict control over all vessels coming in and out, though Tarentum vessels on official business have special reserved docking bays.
The Economy
Messina contributes greatly to Tarentum’s stability and ability to function independently. The county itself is meant to be self-sustaining in times of dire need, but it focuses a great deal on serving as the central trade hub for Yridia IV.
Exports
The farming and fishing industries help supply foodstuffs to the entire Yridia system. While only encompassing a small portion of the total arable land on the planet, the farms are well maintained and produce an abundance of goods. Fishing regulations help maintain the population of the Arl Sea while ensuring a wide variety reach the market.
Asides from foodstuffs, a growing export of the county is energy cells. Energy is generated both via hydro-electric generators as well as advanced solar cells. Many of the energy cells are used to replace old ones in Tarentum’s military, though more and more are being sold on the civilian market to the local Yridians.
Imports
Boasting the largest and best equipped spaceport on the planet, many goods flow through the city of Issa on their way into the local Yridian markets. Machinery and finished goods are the primary imports of the county.
Taxes and Tariffs
The county primarily utilizes a retail sales tax to primarily fund its basic operations (government, emergency services, etc.), though the county also collects licensing fees for businesses and other activities. Items produced in the county that remain in the county are taxed, but a tax credit is given for all items that are exported. Imports have a small tariff applied to them as well and small fees are applied to items produced outside the county, but exported through Issa.
Government
Messina is ultimately under the oversight and rule of Anshar, but he does not often become directly involved in the running of the county. The county is part of a larger feudal system, so laws and rules from the House are observed.
A seven member Board of Commissioners governs the county. Each of the three regions elects one commissioner to serve three year terms while Anshar selects the other three who also serve three year terms. The final commissioner, who serves six years, is appointed by the court system. This final commissioner is the chairman of the board and he or she only votes on issues in the event of a tie. The county has a small court system to handle legal matters, including both criminal and civil matters. A county police force covers works in conjunction with the towns and villages to maintain order.
Military
As threats continued to press against Tarentum and the Dark Brotherhood, Anshar and the Board of Commissioners agreed to establish the Messinian Home Guard. Ostensibly a county militia, the Home Guard operates more and more as an actual military. Though it lacks the ability to leave the surface, the Home Guard does maintain adequate defenses as well as at least one squadron of modified T-47 airspeeders. The Home Guard has been used only once in offensive action, as part of Operation: Supremacy, but has since remained in Messina.
Access
Any member of Tarentum may visit the county at any time so long as they fly in and out of Issa Spaceport. No one is permitted to travel to Anshar’s personal estate without his permission or knowledge. Visitors from within the clan to the estate are often granted permission to land at the private docking bay that is part of the estate.
NPCs
The following list is NPCs known to inhabit Messina. This list may grow over time and various characters may take on larger roles in future stories:
-Joahram: a teenage male, friend of Sirai. Generally more practical, but willing to go along with Sirai on her various adventures.
-Sirai: a teenage girl, friend of Joahram. Adventurous and a risk taker, Sirai avoids going home. Claims to have seen ghosts in the mountains of Messina's eastern region. She recently disappeared from her home, about the same time that Triela Blake began her apprenticeship to Anshar.